Laser eye surgery
A laser eye surgery is a safe and effective method for correcting vision defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. The treatment can be performed using a laser. The purpose of a laser eye surgery is to reduce or completely eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. On this page, you can read about how the surgery works, who can get it, as well as the benefits, risks, and expected results associated with the treatment. Laser eye surgery is best suited for patients under 45 years of age.
What is a laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery with an eye laser is a surgical procedure used to correct various vision defects, such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea with a precise laser, we can significantly improve your vision and offer you a life without glasses or contact lenses. Eye laser surgery is best suited for patients under 45 years of age.
Types of laser eye surgeries
There are different types of laser eye surgery, which correct vision defects in various ways. The choice of treatment depends, among other things, on the thickness and shape of the cornea and the patient’s need for rapid healing.
PRK (With AQUARIUZ laser)
PRK with the AQUARIUZ is a modern solid-state laser that works without gas and performs wet ablation. The treatment is quiet and odourless, which provides a more comfortable experience during the surgery. It preserves the natural moisture of the cornea, requires no flap, and offers high precision thanks to advanced eye-tracking. The healing time is fast, and the risk of dry eyes is low. AQUARIUZ is suitable for all types of corneas, including those that are thin or irregular.
PRK
(Photorefractive Keratectomy) PRK is similar to LASEK, where the laser treatment is performed on the surface of the cornea after the epithelium has been removed. The method requires no flap and is often used for patients who are not suitable for LASIK. The healing time is slightly longer, but the result is stable and effective.
LASIK
LASIK is the best-known laser eye treatment. It uses an excimer laser and requires a flap to be cut in the cornea. During the treatment, noise and a slight burnt odour may occur, and there is a moderate risk of dry eyes. LASIK offers high precision, especially with wavefront-guided technology, and the healing time is fast. The treatment is best suited for patients with thick corneas.
LASEK
LASEK is performed on the surface of the cornea without a flap, where the epithelium (the outermost layer) is temporarily removed. The treatment may involve noise and a burnt odour, and there is a risk of dry eyes. The precision is high, but the healing time is longer than with LASIK and AQUARIUZ. LASEK is especially recommended for patients with thin or flat corneas, where other laser treatments are not optimal.
SMILE
(Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) SMILE is a newer and minimally invasive laser eye treatment. A small piece of corneal tissue is removed via a minimal incision, meaning no flap, fast healing, and a lower risk of dry eyes. The treatment is particularly suitable for short-sightedness and astigmatism.
All laser eye treatments are generally safe and effective, but the best method depends on individual eye conditions. It is therefore important to undergo a thorough preliminary examination with a specialist eye doctor before making a decision.
Who is suitable for laser eye surgery?
If you are under 45 years old, you can receive laser eye treatment for short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
For patients over 45 years old, the preferred surgery to get rid of glasses is an RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange). This is an operation where the ophthalmologist replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens that can focus at different distances. This solution typically lasts for the rest of your life.
However, even after the age of 45, laser treatment can be an option for some patients, especially if binocular vision (the ability to use both eyes together in a coordinated manner) functions very well.
Process for laser eye surgery
It all starts with a no-obligation preliminary examination, where it is assessed whether one is suitable for laser eye surgery.
The treatment is gentle, precise, and can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
1. Preliminary examination
First, you undergo a thorough preliminary examination with the ophthalmologist. Here, the thickness and shape of the cornea, vision defects, eye health, and suitability for various laser treatments are assessed. You will also receive information about which type of treatment is best suited for you, as well as expected results and possible risks.
2. The operation
The operation itself is performed at the clinic under local anesthesia with eye drops. Depending on the type of treatment, a flap may be cut, epithelium removed, or wet ablation performed. The operation is brief.
3. Healing
After the operation, a healing period follows, during which the vision gradually stabilizes. The duration depends on the type of laser eye surgery. Some treatments provide fast healing, while others require a little longer. During the healing period, the eyes may feel slightly dry or irritated, but this typically subsides quickly.
4. Follow-up examination
After the operation, you must attend one or more follow-up examinations to ensure that your vision is developing as expected and that the eyes are healing correctly. The ophthalmologist will provide advice on care and any precautions to take after the surgery.
Risks associated with laser eye surgery
Although laser eye surgeries are generally very safe, there is, as with all medical procedures, a small risk of side effects. This could be, for example, dryness in the eyes, light sensitivity, or glare/halos in the dark. In rare cases, a follow-up correction may be necessary. During the preliminary examination, clinical opticians will inform you about the potential risks.
How long does laser eye surgery last?
The laser reshapes the cornea so it can compensate for your refractive error (short-sightedness, astigmatism, or long-sightedness) and eliminate the need for glasses. For the vast majority of patients, this correction lasts a lifetime.
However, with age, it becomes harder for the eye to focus at different distances, and around the age of 42, most patients who had laser surgery when they were younger will start needing reading glasses, while they may still be free from distance glasses. How this will develop precisely depends on your current refractive error and the individual characteristics of your eyes.
See price or book free laser eye surgery preliminary examination
Eye laser surgery is best suited for patients under 45 years of age. Find out if you can become glasses-free with laser eye surgery at Copenhagen Eye Institute.
